Translatable transducer array with anisotropic material layer - Patents.com

Abstract

1. A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, the transducer device comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on a body of a subject with a front surface of the array facing the body of the subject, the array including electrode elements positioned at existing electrode locations positioned about a center of gravity of the array; an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the array of electrodes and positioned in front of the front surface of the array; and at least one void space within the array of electrodes capable of encompassing an areal footprint equal to at least a portion of the areal footprint of at least one existing electrode location and superimposable onto at least a portion of at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 443,585, filed February 6, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 523,491, filed June 27, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 615,891, filed December 29, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 432,933, filed February 5, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] Tumor treating fields (TTFields) are low-intensity alternating current electric fields in the mid-frequency range (e.g., 50 kHz to 1 MHz) that can be used to treat tumors, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,565,205. TTFields are noninvasively induced in a region of interest by placing transducers on a patient's body and applying an alternating current (AC) voltage across the transducers. Traditionally, transducers used to generate TTFields include multiple electrode elements, including ceramic discs. One side of each ceramic disc is placed against the patient's skin, and the other side of each disc has a conductive backing. Electrical signals are applied to this conductive backing, and these signals are capacitively coupled into the patient's body through the ceramic discs. Traditional transducer designs include a rectangular array of ceramic discs aligned with each other in linear rows and columns and attached to the subject's body via adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,565,205 [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows an example of a transducer placed on a subject's head. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a transducer placed on a subject's body. [Figure 3A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example transducer structure. [Figure 3B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example transducer structure. [Figure 3C] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example transducer structure. [Figure 3D] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example transducer structure. [Figure 3E] FIG. 10 is a top view of another example structure of a transducer. [Figure 3F] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of another example of a transducer. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 shows an example layout of an array of electrode elements on a transducer device. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 shows the array after rotation about its center of gravity. [Figure 4C] 4C shows an example transducer device having an anisotropic material layer and the electrode array layout of FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 shows an example of an adhesive layer connected to an electrode array. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates an example transducer device having an anisotropic material layer. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 shows another example of an adhesive layer connected to an electrode array. [Figure 6B] 1A and 1B show examples of transducer devices having anisotropic material layers. [Figure 6C] 1A and 1B show examples of transducer devices having anisotropic material layers. [Figure 6D] 1A and 1B show examples of transducer devices having anisotropic material layers. [Figure 6E] 1A and 1B show examples of transducer devices having anisotropic material layers. [Figure 6F]1A and 1B show examples of transducer devices having anisotropic material layers. [Figure 6G] 1A and 1B show examples of transducer devices having anisotropic material layers. [Figure 7A] 1A-1C show example layouts of arrays of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7B] 1A-1C show example layouts of arrays of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7C] 1A-1C show example layouts of arrays of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7D] 1A-1C show example layouts of arrays of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7E] 1A-1C show example layouts of arrays of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7F] 1A-1C show example layouts of arrays of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7G] 1A-1C show example layouts of arrays of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7H] 1A-1C show example layouts of arrays of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 7I] 1A-1C show example layouts of arrays of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 shows another example layout of an array of electrode elements and relaxation regions. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of applying TTFields to the body of a subject. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow chart illustrating another example of applying TTFields to the body of a subject. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This application describes exemplary transducer devices that can be used to apply TTFields to a subject's body, for example, to treat one or more cancers. This application also describes exemplary methods of using the transducers to apply TTFields to a subject's body.

[0006] Transducers used to apply TTFields to a subject's body often include multiple electrode elements electrically coupled to one another on a substrate and attached to the subject's body at desired locations, e.g., via an adhesive backing on the substrate or a separately applied adhesive. Conventional transducers have a large, rectangular surface to maximize the number of electrode elements that can be placed on the transducer to apply TTFields to the subject's body. However, subjects may experience skin irritation in areas of their skin that come into contact with the electrode elements during TTFields treatment. Such irritation is more likely at locations directly beneath the electrode elements, particularly for electrodes around the outer edges of the array, where heat and current may be most concentrated.

[0007] As recognized by the inventors, on a transducer array including multiple electrode elements, portions of the transducer array located directly under the electrode elements may heat up more than portions of the transducer array located between the electrode elements. Furthermore, higher currents will flow through electrode elements that may be located along the edges of the array compared to electrode elements located toward the center of the array. Furthermore, electrode elements located at corners or similar sharp bends at the edges of the array may have higher currents than other electrode elements along the edges and near the center of the array.

[0008] As recognized by the inventors, uneven distribution of current through a transducer array can lead to high temperature zones (or "hot spots"), for example at the corners or edges of the transducer array, which in turn can limit the maximum operating current that can be driven by the transducer array and, consequently, the strength of the resulting TTFields.

[0009] The inventors have now recognized that a need exists for a transducer that can reduce, minimize, prevent, soothe, heal, or treat skin inflammation without significantly altering the field strength of TTFields induced within a subject. For example, a transducer that can be shifted to expose skin previously contacted by electrode elements (or covered with a topical agent) without substantially moving the transducer from its optimal location on the subject's body is desired. A new position of a transducer after shifting is considered substantially in the same location if the footprint of the new position after shifting covers 80% or more of the footprint of the original position before shifting, or if the footprint covers 90% or more of the footprint of the original position before shifting, or if the footprint covers 95% or more of the footprint of the original position before shifting. In some embodiments, the footprint of the new position of a transducer after shifting covers 100% of the footprint of the original position of the transducer before shifting. Transducer device transitions can reduce, minimize, prevent, soothe, heal, and / or treat skin inflammation while maintaining the transducer in an optimal location on the subject's body. As a result, the transducer continuously directs TTFields at ideal locations and power levels to target regions of interest (e.g., tumors) within the subject's body, thereby improving patient outcomes.

[0010] The disclosed transducer device can be moved via rotation about the center of gravity of the electrode array or via translation of the electrode array to expose (or cover with a drug) one or more portions of the subject's skin previously contacted by the electrode elements while maintaining optimal location of the transducer on the subject's body. In some embodiments, the electrode array does not include an electrode location that encompasses the center of gravity of the array. The disclosed transducer device can have a substantially round shape that allows the transducer to be placed on the subject's head. In other examples, the disclosed transducer device can have other (e.g., non-round) shapes.

[0011] The disclosed transducer device can also include an anisotropic material layer disposed on the side of the electrode element array facing the subject's body. Such an anisotropic material layer can spread heat and / or current generated at individual electrode elements in a plane perpendicular to the direction from the electrode elements to the subject's body. Spreading heat and / or current in this plane can reduce the concentration of heat and / or current at locations directly beneath the individual electrode elements, thereby reducing the amount or severity of inflammation, if any, that occurs on the subject's skin. Transducer devices with an anisotropic material layer as described herein can also be movable (e.g., via rotation or translation) to further reduce, minimize, prevent, soothe, heal, and / or treat skin inflammation.

[0012] Descriptions of embodiments associated with a particular exemplary figure herein are applicable to and may be combined with descriptions of embodiments associated with other exemplary figures herein, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows transducers 100 positioned on the head of a subject's body. Such placement of the transducers 100 allows for the application of TTFields to a tumor in a region of the subject's brain. Various other positions and / or orientations on the subject's head can be selected for transducer placement. Each transducer 100 can be disposed with an array of electrode elements. Each transducer 100 can be positioned on the subject's head such that one side of the array of electrode elements faces and conforms to the subject's head. As shown, the transducers 100 on the subject's head do not overlap one another, for example, due to their round shape.

[0014] 2 shows transducers 200 and 202 attached to other parts of the subject's body (e.g., chest / torso and thighs). Transducers 200 and 202 can be attached to the subject's body via a medically appropriate gel or adhesive. In other embodiments, transducers 200 and 202 can be attached to one or more garments and held against the subject's body. Each of transducers 200 and 202 can be disposed with an array of electrode elements 204. Each transducer 200 and 202 can be positioned on the subject's body such that one side of the array of electrode elements faces and conforms to the subject's body.

[0015] In the first transducer 200 and the second transducer 202, a perimeter 206 (defined by a dashed line in FIG. 2 ) follows the array of electrode elements 204. In one example, the perimeter 206 of the array on each transducer can have substantially rounded edges. The perimeter 206 can be substantially circular, elliptical, cocoon-shaped, oval, or oval in shape. For example, as shown, the perimeter 206 can have a circular shape. In another example, the perimeter 206 can have other shapes, such as, for example, a square or rectangle, or a substantially square or rectangle with rounded corners (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8 ).

[0016] The structure of a transducer can take many forms. In FIG. 3A, a transducer 300A has multiple electrode elements 302A disposed on a substrate 304A. The substrate 304A is configured to attach the transducer 300A to a subject's body. Suitable materials for the substrate 304A include, for example, fabric, foam, flexible plastic, and / or conductive medical gel. The transducer 300A can be attached to the subject's body via the substrate 304A (e.g., via an adhesive layer and / or conductive medical gel). The adhesive layer that contacts the subject's skin may be present around the periphery of the electrode array and / or in one or more gaps between the electrodes. Alternatively, the areas between the electrodes may be non-adhesive areas. The transducer may be conductive or non-conductive. FIG. 3B shows another example of the structure of a transducer 300B. In this example, the transducer 300B includes multiple electrode elements 302B that are electrically and mechanically connected to each other without a substrate. As an example, electrode elements 302B are connected to each other through conductive wire 306B.

[0017] In Figures 3C and 3D, transducers 300C and 300D include one or more drug regions 308C and 308D, respectively. Drug regions 308C and 308D can be non-adhesive regions. For example, drug regions 308C and 308D are free of exposed adhesive. Drug regions 308C and 308D can each include a drug substrate. The drug substrate can be capable of receiving, absorbing, or retaining a topical agent applied thereto. The drug substrate can include a cloth, gauze, nonwoven material, foam, or sponge disposed between one or more pairs of electrode elements 302C and 302D. By way of example, drug regions 308C and 308D can also include a topical agent integrated within or on the drug substrate. The topical agent can include a base of oil, water, petrolatum, wax, cellulose, or a combination thereof. The topical agent can be a cream, ointment, lotion, gel, wax, paste, or mineral oil jelly. The topical agent can include at least one of an antibiotic, a steroid, an antiseptic, an emollient, an anesthetic, a terpene, a botanical extract, a silicone-based organic polymer, an antifungal agent, a burn soothing agent, a skin repair agent, an astringent, or an antihistamine. The topical agent can be any desired compound capable of soothing, healing, and / or alleviating inflammation, sores, or other irritation that may occur on the skin of a subject's body. The topical agent can be substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the thickness of the drug substrate to form drug regions 308C and 308D. Alternatively, the topical agent can be substantially disposed on the surface of the drug substrate to form drug regions 308C and 308D.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3C, the transducer 300C can include a transducer substrate 304C that is separate from the drug region 308C. An array of electrode elements 302C can be disposed on the surface of the transducer substrate 304C, and the transducer substrate 304C can include an adhesive layer 310C for attaching the transducer device to the subject's body. The drug substrate can be part of the transducer substrate 304C or can be disposed on the surface of the transducer substrate 304C. Thus, the drug region 308C can be disposed on the surface of the transducer substrate 304C (as shown in FIG. 3C). In other embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 3D, the transducer 300D can not include a transducer substrate, but rather can only include an adhesive layer 310D for attaching the transducer 300D to the subject's body, and the drug region 308D can be bonded between different portions of the adhesive layer 310D and span the distance between the electrode elements 302D.

[0019] Transducers 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D, and 300E can each include an array of substantially planar electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E. The array of electrode elements can be capacitively coupled. Electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E can be non-ceramic dielectric materials disposed on a plurality of flat conductors, such as, for example, a polymer film disposed on pads on a printed circuit board or on a flat metal piece. In another example, electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E are ceramic elements. In another example, the electrode elements do not have a dielectric material.

[0020] In some embodiments, the dielectric material of electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E can have a dielectric constant ranging from 10 to 50,000. In some embodiments, the layer of dielectric material comprises a high dielectric polymer material such as poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) and / or poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-1-chlorofluoroethylene). These two polymers are abbreviated herein as "poly(VDF-TrFE-CTFE)" and "poly(VDF-TrFE-CFE)," respectively. The dielectric constant of these materials is on the order of 40. In some embodiments, the polymer layer can be poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) or "poly(VDF-TrFE-CTFE-CFE)."

[0021] In some embodiments, the layer of dielectric material of electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E comprises a terpolymer including polymerized units of monomers such as VDF, TrFE, CFE, and / or CTFE in any suitable molar ratio. Suitable terpolymers include, for example, those having 30 to 80 mol % VDF, 5 to 60 mol % TrFE, with CFE and / or CTFE making up the remainder of the mol % of the terpolymer.

[0022] Figures 3E and 3F show another example transducer 300E, with Figure 3F being a cross-sectional view taken along section 3F-3F' of Figure 3E. The transducer 300E includes multiple electrode elements 302E disposed on a substrate 304E similar to the substrate 304A described above with reference to Figure 3A. The substrate 304E is configured to attach the transducer 300E to the body of a subject. The electrode elements 302E can be connected to each other through conductive wires 306E.

[0023] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F , embodiments described herein can incorporate an anisotropic material layer 310E in the transducer 300E. As shown, the anisotropic material layer 310E has a front surface 312E and a back surface 314E, with the back surface 314E facing the array of electrode elements 302E. The anisotropic material layer 310E has anisotropic thermal and / or anisotropic electrical properties. If the anisotropic material layer 310E has anisotropic thermal properties (e.g., a larger thermal conductivity in the plane of the layer through the plane of the layer), the layer will spread heat more uniformly over a larger surface area. If the anisotropic material layer 310E has anisotropic electrical properties (e.g., a larger electrical conductivity in the plane of the layer through the plane of the layer), the layer will spread current more uniformly over a larger surface area. In either case, this reduces the temperature of hot spots and increases the temperature of cooler regions when a given AC voltage is applied to the array of electrode elements. Thus, the current can be increased (and thus the therapeutic effect increased) without exceeding a safe temperature threshold at any point on the subject's skin.

[0024] In some embodiments, the anisotropic material layer 310E is anisotropic with respect to electrical conductivity properties. In some embodiments, the anisotropic material layer 310E is anisotropic with respect to thermal conductivity properties. In some preferred embodiments, the anisotropic material layer 310E is anisotropic with respect to both electrical conductivity properties and thermal conductivity properties.

[0025] Anisotropic thermal properties include directional thermal properties. Specifically, the anisotropic material layer 310E may have a first thermal conductivity in a direction perpendicular to its front (skin-facing) surface 312E that is different from the thermal conductivity of the anisotropic material layer 310E in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E. For example, the thermal conductivity of the anisotropic material layer 310E in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E is more than two times higher than the first thermal conductivity. In some preferred embodiments, the thermal conductivity in the parallel direction is more than ten times higher than the first thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity of the sheet in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E may be 1.5 times, 2 times, 3 times, 5 times, 10 times, 20 times, 100 times, 200 times, or even more than 1,000 times higher than the first thermal conductivity.

[0026] Anisotropic electrical properties include directional electrical properties. Specifically, the anisotropic material layer 310E may have a first electrical conductivity (or, conversely, resistance) in a direction perpendicular to its front surface 312E that differs from the electrical conductivity (or resistance) of the anisotropic material layer 310E in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E. For example, the resistance of the anisotropic material layer 310E in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E may be less than the first resistance. In some preferred embodiments, the resistance in the parallel direction is less than half the first resistance or less than 10% of the first resistance. For example, the resistance of the anisotropic material layer 310E in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E may be less than 75%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.5%, or even less than 0.1% of the first resistance.

[0027] In some embodiments (eg, when the anisotropic material layer 310E is a sheet of pyrolytic graphite), the anisotropic material layer 310E has both anisotropic electrical properties and anisotropic thermal properties.

[0028] The anisotropic material layer 310E can include graphite (e.g., a sheet of graphite). Examples of suitable forms of graphite include synthetic graphite such as pyrolytic graphite (including, but not limited to, Pyrolytic Graphite Sheet (PGS) available from Panasonic Industries, Ltd., Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan), other forms of synthetic graphite including, but not limited to, graphite foil made from compressed high-purity exfoliated mineral graphite (including, but not limited to, that supplied as MinGraph® 2010A Flexible Graphite available from Mineral Seal Corp., Tucson, Arizona, USA), or graphitized polymer films, such as graphitized polyimide films (including, but not limited to, those supplied by Kaneka Corporation, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan). In alternative embodiments, electrically conductive anisotropic materials other than graphite can be used in place of graphite.

[0029] In some embodiments, the anisotropic material layer 310E is a sheet of pyrolytic graphite. The thermal conductivity of these sheets in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E of the pyrolytic graphite sheets is typically more than 50 times higher than the thermal conductivity of these sheets in a direction perpendicular to the front surface 312E. The electrical resistivity of these sheets in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E of the pyrolytic graphite sheets is typically less than 2% of the electrical resistivity of these sheets in a direction perpendicular to the front surface 312E.

[0030] The transducer 300E can further include at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E disposed on the front side of the anisotropic material layer 310E. In some embodiments, the at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E can be disposed on the front surface 312E of the anisotropic material layer 310E. The at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E can have a biocompatible front surface. Note that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3F, there is only a single layer of conductive adhesive material 316E, and the single layer (the front surface layer) is biocompatible. In alternative embodiments, there is more than one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E, in which case only the front surface layer may be biocompatible, or the front surface layer and one or more other layers may be biocompatible. In the embodiment of FIG. 3F, the front surface layer of conductive adhesive material 316E is configured to ensure good electrical contact between the device and the body. In some embodiments, the front surface layer of conductive adhesive material 316E can cover the entire front surface 312E of the anisotropic material layer 310E. The front layer of conductive adhesive material 316E can be the same size as or larger than the anisotropic material layer 310E. In some embodiments, the front layer of conductive adhesive material 316E comprises a hydrogel. In these embodiments, the hydrogel can have a thickness between 50 and 2000 μm. In other embodiments, the front layer of conductive adhesive material 316E comprises a conductive adhesive composite, as further disclosed herein.

[0031] The transducer 300E can further include a first layer of conductive material 318E disposed between the array of electrode elements 302E and the back surface 314E of the anisotropic material layer 310E facing the array. The first layer of conductive material 318E facilitates electrical contact between the array of electrode elements 302E and the back surface 314E of the anisotropic material layer 310E. In some embodiments, the layer of conductive material 318E is a layer of hydrogel. In other embodiments, a different conductive material (e.g., conductive grease, conductive adhesive, conductive tape, etc.) can be used. For example, the layer of conductive material 318E can include a conductive adhesive composite, as further disclosed herein.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E and / or layer of conductive material 318E is a single layer of a non-hydrogel conductive adhesive, such as product FLX068983 - FLEXcon® OMNI-WAVE™ TT 200 BLACK H-502 150 POLY H-9 44PP-8, or other such OMNI-WAVE products from FLEXcon, Spencer, Massachusetts, USA, or ARcare® 8006 conductive adhesive composition manufactured and sold by Adhesives Research, Inc., Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, USA. The non-hydrogel conductive adhesive can include an anhydride polymer with adhesive properties and carbon particles, powders, fibers, flakes, granules, and / or nanotubes. The adhesive polymer can be, for example, an acrylic-based polymer or a silicone-based polymer, or a combination thereof, which may be available as an acrylic- or silicone-based carbon-filled adhesive tape. The adhesive may additionally include one or more conductive polymers (e.g., polyaniline (PANI), or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), or others known in the art). The conductive filler in at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E or conductive material 318E may be non-metallic. In these embodiments, the conductive adhesive may have a thickness between 10 and 2,000 μm, e.g., 20 to 1,000 μm, or 30 to 400 μm.

[0033] In some embodiments, the transducer 300E can be constructed using a preformed three-layer (or more) stack including a conductive material 318E, an anisotropic material layer 310E, and at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E. In some embodiments, the at least one conductive adhesive material 316E and the conductive material 318E are both conductive adhesive composites as described above, and the anisotropic material layer 310E is a thin sheet of synthetic graphite, such as pyrolytic graphite, as described above. The at least one conductive adhesive material 316E and the conductive material 318E can be the same material or different materials. For example, in one embodiment, both the conductive adhesive material 316E and the conductive material 318E can include an acrylic polymer and a carbon powder filler, or both the conductive adhesive material 316E and the conductive material 318E can include an acrylic polymer and a carbon fiber filler. In another embodiment, the conductive adhesive material 316E includes an acrylic polymer and a carbon fiber filler, and the conductive material 318E includes an acrylic polymer and a carbon powder filler, or vice versa. In other embodiments, one or both of the conductive adhesive material 316E and the conductive material 318E may be a hydrogel.

[0034] Figures 4A-7I show examples of transducer devices, or in some instances, arrays of electrode elements of transducer devices, that can be used to apply TTFields to a subject's body. Such transducer devices can include configurations similar to those discussed above and / or described below, and arrays of electrode elements can be incorporated into transducer devices that can include configurations similar to those discussed above and / or described below. Each example transducer device allows for simple rotation of the transducer to reposition at least one void region (which can be a non-adhesive void region formed in the electrode array or, alternatively, at least one drug region as described above with reference to Figures 3C and 3D) over an area of ​​the subject's skin previously covered by an electrode element. Positioning the void region over an area of ​​the subject's skin previously covered by an electrode element allows this area of ​​the subject's skin to "breathe" and recover from previous contact with the electrode elements used to induce TTFields. The relative arrangement of electrode elements and void regions (or drug regions) disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with the anisotropic material layer described above (e.g., 310E in Figures 3E and 3F) to further reduce irritation to the subject's skin.

[0035] Because some subjects experience skin irritation in response to prolonged interaction of the skin with the electrode elements used to induce TTFields, moving the transducer so that an air gap is positioned over the affected area of ​​the subject's skin can help minimize, reduce, or prevent skin irritation throughout the TTFields treatment. Additionally, positioning a medicinal area over an area of ​​the subject's skin previously covered by the electrode elements allows for topical medication to be applied to this area of ​​the subject's skin to soothe, heal, reduce inflammation or pain, or otherwise improve the condition of the subject's skin. Additionally, spreading heat and / or current in a plane perpendicular to the direction from the electrode elements to the subject's skin allows for the heat and / or current to be reduced at any particular location above the subject's skin, thereby reducing overall skin inflammation. The ability to rotate the transducer device around the center of gravity of the electrode array allows the transducer to continue outputting TTFields from the same optimal location on the subject's body during treatment while providing relief and / or healing to an area of ​​the subject's skin.

[0036] 4A and 4B show an example transducer device 400, which may include an array of electrodes 402 (i.e., 402A-F), configured to be placed on a subject's body with one side of the array facing the subject's body. Figures 4A and 4B show the transducer device 400 as viewed perpendicular to this side of the array. As shown in Figure 4A, the transducer device 400 may also include one or more blank spaces 404 (i.e., 404A-F), which do not overlap any of the electrodes 402. At least a portion of one or more of the blank spaces 404 may be a relaxed region, defined herein as either 1) a void region of the transducer device 400 that is completely uncovered or completely uncovered except for the transducer substrate and / or anisotropic material layer (with or without the conductive adhesive layer (e.g., 316E) and / or conductive layer (e.g., 318E)), or 2) a non-adhesive region comprising a drug substrate capable of receiving, absorbing, and / or retaining a topical agent applied thereto, or 3) a drug region of the transducer device comprising a drug substrate and a topical agent integrated therein or thereon that is used to administer a topical agent to an area of ​​the skin of a subject. These relaxed regions may optionally be free of exposed adhesive. The topical agent may cover the entire surface of the drug substrate, or may cover only a portion of it, or may be infused through some or all of the thickness of the drug substrate below the entire area surface or below a portion of the area surface of the drug substrate, or some combination thereof. The area footprint of the drug substrate may fill the entire area of ​​the blank space or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the drug region has a surface area sufficient to occupy at least 40%, or at least 50%, of the surface area of ​​one of the electrodes of the array of electrodes. In some embodiments, the drug region has a surface area sufficient to occupy at least 75%, or at least 95%, or at least 100%, of the surface area of ​​one of the electrodes of the array of electrodes. In some embodiments, the drug substrate is part of the transducer substrate.The array of electrodes 402 can be spaced about a center of gravity 440 of the array, and blank spaces 404 can be located between each two adjacent electrodes. In some embodiments, the array of electrodes 402 includes a number x′ of electrodes that can be arranged in Cx′ rotational (point) symmetry about the center of gravity, where x′ is an integer greater than or equal to 2, or in some embodiments, greater than or equal to 3. For example, the array of electrodes 402 can be arranged in C3 symmetry, or C4 symmetry, or C5 symmetry, or C6 symmetry about the center of gravity. In some embodiments, the transducer device 400 has an alternating pattern of electrodes 402 and blank spaces 404.

[0037] In some embodiments, the transducer device 400 has an alternating pattern of electrodes 402 and blank spaces 404. In other embodiments, a non-alternating, rotating pattern of electrodes 402 and blank spaces 404 can be used. The electrodes 402 can be electrically coupled to each other via one or more printed circuit board (PCB) layers / connectors 405 or wires. The PCB layers / connectors 405 (and 805 in FIG. 8 ) are not electrodes, but rather non-bonded areas. While six electrodes 402 and six blank spaces 404 are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , other embodiments can include a different number of electrodes 402, blank spaces 404, or both in the array. For example, some embodiments include six electrodes 402 and three blank spaces 404 (FIG. 7C), while other embodiments include five electrodes 402 and five blank spaces 404 (FIG. 7H), or four electrodes 402 and four blank spaces 404 (FIGS. 5B, 6F, and 7I), or three electrodes 402 and three blank spaces 404 (FIG. 6G).

[0038] The blank spaces 404 are present in one or more locations that can correspond to or encompass the relative locations of one or more electrodes 402 when the array is rotated about the center of gravity 440 by a first rotational amount (e.g., as indicated by arrow 438 in FIG. 4B ). Rotating the transducer device 400 by a particular rotational amount (e.g., 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, or 330 degrees) positions the electrodes 402 in the area previously occupied by the blank spaces 404 between adjacent electrodes 402 (e.g., in FIG. 4A ) (i.e., the new positions shown in FIG. 4B ). Additionally, in the position of FIG. 4B , the blank spaces between the electrodes 402 (at the previous positions 404 shown in FIG. 4A ) move to the locations 436 (i.e., 436A-F) previously occupied by the electrodes 402. This allows skin that was previously in contact with or near the electrode 402 to recover from exposure to the electrode and / or receive topical medication to minimize, reduce, prevent, soothe, heal, and / or treat skin inflammation.

[0039] 4A and 4B , each electrode 402 of the array may extend substantially radially (e.g., extend radially outward) away from a center of mass 440 of the array. Additionally, the center of mass of each electrode 402 may be spaced substantially equidistant from the center of mass 440 of the array. Each electrode 402 may have a substantially similar shape, and a blank space 404 between two electrodes 402 may be large enough for the electrode 402 to occupy therein. The electrodes 402 may be spaced substantially equidistant from one another about the center of mass 440 of the array. Each electrode 402 may include a first edge 408 extending radially outward relative to a central portion of the array (as shown for electrode 402A) and a second edge 410 extending radially outward relative to the central portion of the array. An electrode (e.g., 402A) may further include a rounded edge 412 connecting a first edge 408 to a second edge 410 at an end of the electrode 402A disposed radially away from the central portion. The perimeter 406, which substantially follows the array of electrodes 402, may have a circular shape, although other shapes may be possible (e.g., an oval or elliptical shape in FIGS. 7H and 7I, or a rectangular shape in FIGS. 6D, 6E, and 8, or a rounded triangle in FIG. 6G). In some embodiments described herein, no electrode is positioned at or overlaps the centroid of the array of electrodes.

[0040] The relative size of one blank space 404 with respect to an adjacent electrode 402 can be described as follows: A first distance 414 ( FIG. 4A ) is defined as the distance between a first point 416 on a first outer edge of an electrode (e.g., 402E) and a second point 418 on a second outer edge of the electrode (e.g., 402E), where the first and second points 416 / 418 are each the same distance 420 from the center of gravity 440 of the array. A second distance 422 is defined as the distance between the first point 416 and a third point 424 on the adjacent outer edge of a second electrode (e.g., 402D), where the adjacent outer edge of the second electrode and the first outer edge are disposed adjacent to each other without any electrodes between them. The first and third points 416 / 424 are also each the same distance 420 from the center of gravity 440. The second distance 422 can be at least 80% of the length of the first distance 414. In some embodiments, the second distance 422 can be greater than or equal to the first distance 414. In this manner, the transducer device 400 can provide sufficient space to encompass the portion of the subject's skin that was previously exposed to the electrode elements.

[0041] As shown with reference to electrodes 402A and 402F (FIG. 4A), when a bisector 430 is drawn between the outer edge 408 of electrode 402A and the adjacent outer edge of electrode 402F, a distance 432 from the outer edge 408 of electrode 402A to the bisector 430, measured in a direction perpendicular to the bisector 430, is equal to a distance 434 from the adjacent outer edge to the bisector 430, measured in a direction perpendicular to the bisector 430, along the length of the two outer edges. That is, the outer edges of two adjacent electrodes 402 may have a constant rate of change with respect to these bisectors.

[0042] The relative shape of one blank space 404 (e.g., 404C, FIG. 4A ) with respect to an adjacent electrode 402 (e.g., 402C) can be described as follows: A first angle 426 greater than 0° is formed between a first edge and a second edge of the electrode element (e.g., 402C), and the first angle 426 faces toward the outside of the array. A second angle 428 is formed between a first edge of the electrode element (e.g., 402C) and an adjacent edge of the adjacent electrode element (e.g., 402D), and the second angle 428 faces toward the outside of the array. The value of the second angle 428 can be at least 80% of the value of the first angle 426. In some embodiments, the second angle 428 can be equal to or greater than the first angle 426. In this manner, the transducer device 400 can provide sufficient space to surround a portion of the subject's skin that was previously exposed to the electrode element.

[0043] FIG. 4C illustrates another example transducer device 400(1). The transducer device 400(1) uses the same relative arrangement of electrodes 402A-F described above with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. As shown, the electrodes 402A-F can be disposed on a substrate layer 450, similar to the substrates (304A, 304C, and 304E) described above with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3C, 3E, and 3F. In particular, the substrate layer 450 can be an overlay bandage that includes an adhesive layer on the skin-facing side of the bandage. Additionally, the transducer device 400(1) of FIG. 4C includes an anisotropic material layer 452 that is electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the array of electrodes and disposed on the side of the array that is configured to face the subject's body. The anisotropic material layer 452 can take any of the forms and include any of the features described above with reference to the anisotropic material layer 310E of FIGS. 3E and 3F. The anisotropic material layer 452 can be disposed over the array of electrodes such that it covers the electrode elements 402A-F and at least one empty space 404 (e.g., void space) in the array. As shown, the anisotropic material layer 452 can be disposed over the array of electrodes such that it covers the electrode elements 402A-F and all empty spaces 404A-F in the array. The anisotropic material layer 452 does not have to extend radially outward to the edge of the substrate layer 450, as shown. When the transducer device 400(1) of FIG. 4C is rotated from a first rotational position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4A) to a second rotational position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4B), the anisotropic material layer 452 will cover the area of ​​the subject's body that was previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode 402.

[0044] Although the layout of the array of electrode elements 402A-F (in FIG. 4C ) is the same as the layout of the array in FIGS. 4A and 4B , similar arrangements of the anisotropic material layer 452 relative to the electrode elements / blank spaces can be used in embodiments having other numbers, shapes, sizes, and / or arrangements of electrode elements, for example, as described with reference to any of FIGS. 5B and 6D-8 below. In particular, the anisotropic material layer 452 can cover both the electrode elements and the spaces between them. The anisotropic material layer 452 can diffuse heat and / or current therethrough, allowing the current to be increased (thereby increasing the therapeutic effect of TTFields treatment) without exceeding a safe temperature threshold at any point on the subject's skin. If the current passing through the electrode elements causes hot spots or skin irritation, the transducer can be rotated to prevent or reduce the skin irritation.

[0045] Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, and 6G show other example transducer devices 500, 500(1), 600, 600(1), 600(2), 600(3), 600(4), 600(5), and 600(6), respectively. Transducer devices 500, 600, 600(1), and 600(2) of Figures 5A and 6A-6C can include arrays of electrodes 502A-F (i.e., 502), 602A-F (i.e., 602), 602A(1)-F(1) (i.e., 602(1)), and 602A(2)-F(2) (i.e., 602(2)) shaped similarly to the array of Figure 4A. Transducer device 500(1) of Figure 5B may include a different array of electrodes 502A(1)-502D(1) (i.e., 502(1)) than the arrays of Figures 5A and 6A-6C (e.g., having four electrodes instead of six as shown), although in other embodiments, six electrodes or other numbers of electrodes are similarly contemplated. Transducer arrays 600(3), 600(4), 600(5), and 600(6) also include a different array of electrodes, having either four electrodes (602(3), 602(4), 602(5)) or three electrodes (602(6)).

[0046] In Figures 5A and 6A, the transducer device (500, 600) may include a substrate layer (550, 650) in the form of an adhesive layer or an overlay (tape) bandage with an adhesive layer, and an array of electrodes (502, 602) on the substrate layer. 5B, 6B, and 6C, the transducer apparatus (500(1), 600(1), 600(2)) includes a substrate layer (570, 670(1), 670(2)), an array of electrodes (502(1), 602(1), 602(2)) on the substrate layer (570, 670(1), 670(2)), and an anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1), 672(2)) electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the array of electrodes (502(1), 602(1), 602(2)) and disposed on a side of the array configured to face the body of the subject (e.g., a side of the array opposite the substrate layer (570, 670(1), 670(2))). In each of FIGS. 5A-6C and 6F-6G, the transducer device (500, 500(1), 600, 600(1), 600(2), 600(5), 600(6)) includes an array of electrodes (502A-F, 502A(1)-D(1), 602A-F, 602A(1)-F(1), 602A(2)-F(2), 602A(5)-D(5), 602A(6)-C(6)) and spaces (504A-F, 504A(1)-D(1), 604A-F, 604A(1)-F(1), 604A(2)-F(2), 604A(5)-D(5), 604A(6)-C(6)) disposed therebetween.

[0047] It should be noted that the arrays shown in Figures 5A-6C are examples, and that any number, shape, and / or arrangement of electrodes may be present in the rotating array of the transducer. For example, in embodiments having other numbers, shapes, sizes, and / or arrangements of electrode elements (e.g., as described with reference to any of Figures 7A-7I below), similar arrangements of anisotropic material layers relative to electrode elements / spaces may be used.

[0048] 5A and 6A specifically, a substrate layer (550, 650), e.g., an adhesive layer (or an overlay bandage with an adhesive layer), can be connected to and substantially cover (from below) the array of electrodes (502, 602). To further allow the skin on the subject's body to breathe when not covered by the electrode elements, the adhesive layer (550, 650) can include one or more adhesive layer cutouts (552A-F, 652B-F) formed therein to leave one or more spaces (504A-F, 604B-F) between the electrodes of the array uncovered. As discussed above, the cutouts can be cut through both the overlay (tape) bandage support (not shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) and the adhesive layer, or only through the adhesive layer (e.g., leaving an unadhesive void area).

[0049] In FIG. 5A , one or more adhesive layer cutouts 552 can have a closed shape such that the one or more cutouts 552 are surrounded by the adhesive layer 550. The adhesive layer 550 can extend (from underneath) toward the outer edges of the one or more electrodes 502 and may or may not cover the outer edges of the one or more electrodes 502 (as shown). In FIGS. 5A and 6A , one or more adhesive layer cutouts (552, 652) can have an open shape such that the one or more cutouts (552, 652) define one or more recesses along the outer edges of the adhesive layer (550, 650) (see, e.g., 552D in FIG. 5A and 652B-F in FIG. 6A ). The adhesive layer 650 can completely cover (from underneath) the outer edges of the one or more electrodes 602, as shown in FIG. 6A . As shown with respect to electrode 602F, adhesive layer 650 can extend beyond each of the first outer edge (e.g., by distance 662) and the second outer edge (e.g., by distance 664) of electrode 602F by the same or different amounts, and can extend beyond the edge of electrode 602F disposed radially away from the center of mass (e.g., by distance 660) by the same or different amounts (as distance 662 and / or distance 664). In some embodiments, the adhesive layer can extend beyond the edge of the electrode disposed radially away from the center of mass (e.g., distance 660) by a greater amount (e.g., than distance 662 and distance 664) than it extends toward another electrode (e.g., circumferentially toward another electrode). This can allow adhesive layer 650 to connect transducer apparatus 600 to the subject's skin without covering too much of space 604 between adjacent electrodes 602.

[0050] 5B and 6B, the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) can be directly or indirectly electrically coupled to and substantially covering (from above) the array of electrodes (502(1), 602(1)). The phrase "substantially covering" can refer to the layer covering at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the surface area of ​​the electrodes in the array. To further allow the skin on the subject's body to breathe when not covered by the electrode elements, the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) can include one or more anisotropic material layer cutouts (574A-D, 674A-E) (i.e., 574, 674) formed therein that are positioned over at least one void space of the array so as to leave one or more spaces (504A(1)-D(1), 604A(1)-F(1)) (i.e., 504, 604) between the electrodes of the array uncovered. Optionally, one or more void spaces of the array may not have a cutout corresponding to the anisotropic material layer; for example, if there are connectors or connecting wires coming into the electrodes of the array, there may be no anisotropic material layer cutout (see, e.g., FIG. 6B ), or alternatively, there may be a smaller cutout in the void area containing the connector or connecting wire (e.g., similar to adhesive layer cutout 552A in FIG. 5A , which does not show the anisotropic material layer). Anisotropic material layer cutouts (574, 674) may be formed through the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)), and optionally through any other conductive layers packaged with the anisotropic material layer (e.g., conductive adhesive material layer 316(E) and conductive material layer 318(E) in FIGS. 3E and 3F ). The anisotropic material layer cutouts (574, 674) may or may not be formed through the substrate layers (570, 670(1)). In one example, the substrate layers (570, 670(1)) cover the anisotropic material layer cutouts (574, 674), and the anisotropic material layer cutouts (574, 674) are aligned with the non-adhesive regions of the substrate layers (570, 670(1)).When the transducer device (500(1), 600(1)) is rotated from the first position to the second position, the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) does not cover at least a portion of the area of ​​the subject's body that was previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode (502(1), 602(1)) in the first position (because this area of ​​the anisotropic material layer in the second position instead exhibits a cut-out area).

[0051] In some embodiments, the anisotropic material layer cut-out regions (574, 674) can provide a relief region as discussed herein. For example, the anisotropic material layer cut-out regions (574, 674) can include a drug region including a drug substrate and a topical agent integrated therein or thereon that is used to administer a topical agent to an area of ​​the skin of a subject, or the anisotropic material layer cut-out regions (574, 674) can include a non-adhesive region including a drug substrate capable of receiving, absorbing, and / or retaining a topical agent applied thereto. For example, the overlay bandage can include areas on the skin-facing side that are covered with gauze or other drug substrate (with or without a drug), which align with the pattern of the anisotropic material layer cut-out areas (574, 674) when the transducer array is constructed, or the overlay bandage can already be constructed with an electrode array and anisotropic material layer, and a gauze patch or other drug substrate (with or without a drug) can be attached to the adhesive area visible through the anisotropic material layer cut-out areas (574, 674). If a drug-free drug substrate is used in the anisotropic material layer cut-out areas (574, 674), the drug can also be applied by the patient or caregiver between treatments, for example, just before a translation (e.g., rotation or translation) of the transducer array.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the cutout area described herein may include only a front conductive adhesive material (e.g., conductive adhesive material 316E disposed on the front side of anisotropic material layer 310E in FIG. 3F) and does not include an anisotropic material layer.

[0053] In FIG. 5B, one or more anisotropic material layer cutouts 574 can have a closed shape such that they are surrounded by anisotropic material layer 572. Anisotropic material layer 572 can extend toward and cover all of the outer edges of one or more electrodes 502(1), as shown. In FIG. 6B, one or more anisotropic material layer cutouts 674 can have an open shape such that they define one or more recesses along the outer edges of anisotropic material layer 672(1). Anisotropic material layer 672(1) can completely cover (from above) the outer edges of one or more electrodes 602(1), as shown in FIG. 6B. In the embodiments of FIGS. 5B and 6B , the substrate layer (570, 670(1)) may be substantially rounded (e.g., circular, oval, etc.) as shown, or may be contoured to match the shape of the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) (e.g., contoured to match the shape of the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) with one or more recesses along the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)). In some embodiments, the substrate layer (570, 670(1)) may be contoured with slits that extend into the gaps (e.g., void spaces) between the electrodes (502(1), 602(1)). The latter embodiment may allow for increased flexibility for adhesion to non-flat (e.g., curved) surfaces, such as a subject's head.

[0054] Turning now to FIG. 6C , anisotropic material layer 672(2) can be directly or indirectly electrically coupled to and substantially covering (over) the array of electrodes 602(2), and anisotropic material layer 672(2) can include at least one cut or slit formed therein. In FIG. 6C , for example, anisotropic material layer 672(2) has five cuts or slits 676B(2) through 676F(2) (i.e., 676(2)) formed therein. Cuts or slits 676(2) can be formed through the entire thickness of anisotropic material layer 672(2). Cuts or slits 676(2) can extend from the outer edge of anisotropic material layer 672(2) toward the center of anisotropic material layer 672(2). The cuts or slits 676(2) can extend into the gaps (e.g., void spaces) 604A(2)-604F(2) (i.e., 604(2)) between the electrodes 602A(2)-602F(2) (i.e., 602(2)). The cuts or slits 676(2) allow the anisotropic material layer 672(2) to be separated sufficiently to provide some flexibility for stretching, twisting, or other movements of the subject's body when the transducer device 600(2) is attached to the subject's body. The periphery of the anisotropic material layer may be contoured to follow the periphery of the electrode, as shown for anisotropic material layer 672(1) in FIG. 6B. Substrate layer 670(2) may likewise be optionally contoured with cuts or slits that extend into gaps (e.g., void spaces) 604(2) between electrodes 602(2), and such cuts or slits in substrate layer 670(2) may at least partially coincide with cuts or slits in anisotropic material layer 672(2). In other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 6C, substrate layer 670(2) is flexible and does not include cuts or slits.

[0055] 6D and 6E show other example transducer devices 600(3) and 600(4), respectively. Transducer devices 600(3) and 600(4) each include a substrate layer (670(3), 670(4)) and an array of electrodes (602A(3) through 602D(3), 602A(4) through 602D(4)) (i.e., 602(3), 602(4)) disposed on the substrate layer (670(3), 670(4)). The array is configured to be placed on a subject's body with the front surface of the array facing the subject's body. Transducer devices 600(3) and 600(4) also include anisotropic material layers (672(3), 672(4)) electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the arrays of electrodes (602(3), 602(4)) and disposed on the side of the arrays opposite the substrate layers (670(3), 670(4)). The anisotropic material layers (672(3), 672(4)) can have at least one cut or slit (676A(3)-676D(3), 676A(4)-676D(4)) (i.e., 676(3), 676(4)) formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layers (672(3), 672(4)). As shown, each cut or slit (676(3), 676(4)) can extend from the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer (672(3), 672(4)) toward the center of the anisotropic material layer (672(3), 672(4)) when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the array. The cuts or slits (676(3), 676(4)) allow the anisotropic material layers (672(3), 672(4)) to be sufficiently separated to provide some flexibility for stretching, twisting, or other movements of a subject's body when the transducer device (600(3), 600(4)) is attached to the subject's body. In the transducer device 600(3) of FIG. 6D , the substrate layer 670(3) does not include any cuts or slits.In the transducer device 600(4) of FIG. 6E, the substrate layer 670(4) has at least one cut or slit (678A-678D) (i.e., 678) formed through the entire thickness of the substrate layer 670(4), the cut or slit 678 extending from the outer edge of the substrate layer 670(4) toward the center of the substrate layer 670(4) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array. As shown, the cut or slit 678 formed in the substrate layer 670(4) may at least partially coincide with the cut or slit 676(4) formed in the anisotropic material layer 672(4). The transducer devices 600(3) and 600(4) of FIGS. 6D and 6E have increased flexibility compared to transducers that do not feature such cuts or slits formed in the anisotropic material layer or substrate layer. The cuts or slits (in the anisotropic material layer, or the substrate layer, or both, in the latter case, whether coincident or not) can be applied to transducers having electrodes of any desired shape, number, and arrangement, as well as those configured to provide a relaxation region in response to rotational translation (e.g., FIGS. 4A-6C and 7A-7I) or translational translation (e.g., FIG. 8).

[0056] 6F and 6G illustrate other example transducer devices 600(5) and 600(6), respectively. Transducer devices 600(5) and 600(6) each include an array of electrodes 602A(5)-602D(5), 602A(6)-602C(6) (i.e., 602(5), 602(6)) disposed on substrate layers 670(5), 670(6), optionally paired with anisotropic material layers 672(5), 672(6), which may be absent or may coincide with the area traces of the electrodes. Anisotropic material layers 672(5), 672(6) may extend beyond the perimeter of the area footprint of the electrodes and may or may not be contoured to reflect the shape of the perimeter of the area trace of the electrodes. In some embodiments, the front surface of the array of electrodes 602(5), 602(6) faces the subject's body, and anisotropic material layer 672(5), 672(6) covers the front surface of the array of electrodes 602(5), 602(6) and extends (radially) outward from each electrode 602(5), 602(6) to at least partially cover each void space 604A(5)-604D(5), 604A(6)-604C(6) (i.e., 604(5), 604(6)) within the array. In some embodiments, anisotropic material layer 672(5), 672(6) can be composed of graphite (e.g., pyrolytic graphite). In some embodiments, substrate layers 670(5), 670(6) can cover the array of electrodes 602(5), 602(6) and anisotropic material layers 672(5), 672(6) and can extend (radially) outward from the combined areal footprint of each electrode 602(5), 602(6) and associated anisotropic material layer to at least partially cover each void space 604(5), 604(6) in the array (covering more than the areal footprint of anisotropic material layers 672(5), 672(6)). In some embodiments, substrate layers 670(5), 670(6) completely cover each void space 604(5), 604(6).

[0057] In some embodiments (such as in FIG. 6F), the device 600(5) includes at least four electrodes 602(5), and in some embodiments (such as in FIG. 6G), the device 600(6) includes at least three electrodes 602(6). In some embodiments, the array of electrodes 602(5), 602(6) has point symmetry. The transducer device 600(5), 600(6) can include an array of electrode elements 602(5), 602(6) arranged around a centroid 640(5), 640(6). For example (such as in FIG. 6F), the array of electrodes can include four electrodes with point symmetry (C4 symmetry) about the centroid 640(5). For example (such as in FIG. 6G), the array of electrodes can include three electrodes with point symmetry (C3 symmetry) about the centroid 640(6). Each electrode can be substantially similar in size and shape. In some embodiments, the substrate layers 670(5), 670(6) can cover all of the electrodes 602(5), 602(6) and all of the void spaces 604(5), 604(6) between the electrodes 602(5), 602(6). In some embodiments, the substrate layers 670(5), 670(6) mated with the devices 600(5), 600(6) include one or more cutouts that coincide with at least a portion of the void spaces 604(5), 604(6) between at least one of the pair of electrodes 602(5), 602(6). The one or more cutouts can have an open shape such that, when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the array, the one or more cutouts define one or more recesses along the outer edge of the substrate layers 670(5), 670(6). In the embodiments of Figures 6F and 6G, by rotating existing electrode locations by 45° or 60° about center of gravity 640(5), 640(6), respectively, each void space is positioned over the previously existing electrode location, thereby providing relief to areas of skin that may have experienced skin irritation from the electrodes. Additionally, substrate layers 670(5), 670(6) provide flexibility to the transducer array device, allowing the array to accommodate skin movement due to torso movement of the subject.In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6G, cuts or slits 676A(6)-676C(6) (i.e., 676(6)) in anisotropic material layer 672(6) and / or substrate layer 670(6), as described elsewhere herein, can provide additional flexibility of substrate layer 670(6) and / or anisotropic material layer 672(6) to accommodate skin movement due to movement of the subject's torso. While shown in FIG. 6F for four electrodes and arrays with C4 rotational symmetry and in FIG. 6G for three electrodes and arrays with C3 rotational symmetry, similar structures with other rotational symmetries (e.g., with two, five, six, or more electrodes) are readily envisioned, as well as other electrode arrays spaced and positioned to allow translational movement of the electrode array.

[0058] Other arrangements of the electrode array may allow for rotational translation to minimize, reduce, prevent, soothe, heal, and / or treat skin irritation during TTFields treatment. Various examples of such electrode arrays are shown in Figures 7A-7I. The present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements of electrode elements and relief regions (e.g., void regions or drug regions) shown in these examples, as many others may be possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0059] 7A-7I provide further examples of electrode arrays and methods of use that may be suitable for use in the transducer devices described herein. For purposes of clarity, Figures 7A-7I do not show the anisotropic material layers and other features of the present invention described herein, but it is understood that the electrode arrays shown therein can be combined with anisotropic material layers and related features as described herein.

[0060] 7A-7I each show an array of electrodes (700A, 700B, 700C, 700D, 700E, 700F, 700G, 700H, 700I) including multiple electrode elements (702A, 702B, 702C, 702D, 702E, 702F, 702G, 702H, 702I) and one or more blank spaces where no electrode elements are present. Each blank space can be or include one or more relaxation regions (704A, 704B, 704C, 704D, 704E, 704F, 704G, 704H, 704I).

[0061] The term "relaxation region" 704 (and 804 in FIG. 8) as used herein refers to either 1) a void region of a transducer device that is completely uncovered or completely uncovered except for the transducer substrate and / or anisotropic material layer (with or without a conductive adhesive layer and / or conductive layer), 2) a non-adhesive region that includes a drug substrate capable of receiving, absorbing, or retaining a topical agent applied thereto, or 3) a drug region of a transducer device that includes a drug substrate and a topical agent integrated therein or thereon that is used to administer the topical agent to an area of ​​a subject's skin. These relaxation regions 704 may optionally be free of exposed adhesive.

[0062] The electrode elements 702 are arranged at existing electrode locations (708A, 708B, 708C, 708D, 708E, 708F, 708G, 708H, 708I) arranged around the center of gravity (706A, 706B, 706C, 706D, 706E, 706F, 706G, 706H, 706I) of the array 700. Each of the electrode elements 702 can trace an existing electrode footprint, shown via solid outline in Figures 7A-7I. The existing electrode footprint is the area footprint of the existing electrode locations 708. One or more blank spaces can define potential electrode locations (710A, 710B, 710C, 710D, 710E, 710F, 710G, 710H, 710I), which are locations that might otherwise be occupied by electrode elements 702 during several rotations of the array 700. The potential electrode locations 710 are arranged around the center of gravity 706 of the array, and each potential electrode location 710 traces a potential electrode footprint, shown via dashed outline in Figures 7A-7I. The potential electrode footprint is the area footprint of the potential electrode location 710.

[0063] In some embodiments, the relaxed regions 704 of the array 700 occupy at least the potential electrode locations 710. As one example, the relaxed regions 704 occupy only the area footprint defined by the potential electrode locations 710. In another example, one or more relaxed regions 704 of the array 700 can occupy a larger portion of the white space between adjacent electrodes 702 than is defined by the potential electrode locations 710.

[0064] 7A-7I , at least one relaxation region 704 in the array 700 can encompass an area footprint equal to at least 40%, or at least 50%, of the area footprint of at least one electrode 702 and can be superimposed on at least 40%, or at least 50%, of the existing electrode locations 708 by rotation of the array 700 about the center of gravity 706. For example, in FIG. 7D , one such relaxation region 704D(2) can encompass at least 40% of the area footprint (708D(1)) of the larger electrode element 702D(1) and can be superimposed thereon by rotation. In some embodiments, at least one relaxation region 704 in the array can encompass an area footprint equal to at least 95% (e.g., 100%) of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location 708 and can be superimposed on at least 95% (e.g., 100%) of the existing electrode locations 708 by rotation of the array about the center of gravity 706. For example, in FIG. 7D, relaxed region 704D(2) can encompass the entire area footprint (708D(2)) of smaller electrode element 702D(2) and can be superimposed thereon via rotation.

[0065] 7A-7E, 7H, and 7I, at least one electrode element 702 extends radially outward away from the center of gravity 706. In FIGS. 7A, 7E, 7H, and 7I, the sum of the area footprints for all relaxation regions 704 in the array is approximately 50% of the sum of the combined area footprints for all relaxation regions 704 and all existing electrode locations 708 in the array. That is, the relaxation regions 704 occupy approximately the same total area as the electrode elements 702 in the transducer device. As shown in each of FIGS. 7A-7I, the sum of the area footprints for all relaxation regions 704 in the array can be equal to at least 20% of the sum of the combined area footprints for all relaxation regions 704 and all existing electrode locations 708 in the array, such that the relaxation regions 704 collectively occupy at least one-quarter the area of ​​the electrode elements 702.

[0066] In some embodiments, each potential electrode footprint (710) has the same shape, area, orientation relative to the center of gravity 706, and distance from the center of gravity 706 as one or more existing electrode footprints (708). Additionally, each potential electrode footprint (710) is rotationally aligned with one or more existing electrode footprints (708) about the center of gravity 706 such that rotational translation of the electrode array 700 about the center of gravity 706 can position at least one potential electrode location 710 to coincide with an existing electrode location 708. This rotation provides a resting state (or topical agent application) for the area of ​​skin beneath the at least one electrode after rotation. In some embodiments, the total area occupied by the potential electrode locations 710 can be 50% or less of the sum of the total areas of the potential electrode locations 710 and the existing electrode locations 708.

[0067] In some embodiments, the distribution of combinations of potential electrode locations 710 and existing electrode locations 708 within the array 700 can exhibit Cx symmetry with respect to rotations about the center of gravity 706, where x is an integer, and the potential electrode footprint is considered to be identical to the existing electrode footprint when determining the rotational symmetry of the combinations of electrode locations 708 and 710. For example, with respect to the distribution of combinations of potential and existing electrode positions, FIG. 7A shows array 700A having C12 symmetry, since there are 12 rotationally symmetric positions about centroid 706A at which combinations of electrode positions 708A / 710A can be placed; array 700B in FIG. 7B has C10 symmetry; array 700C in FIG. 7C has C9 symmetry; arrays 700D, 700H, and 700I in FIGS. 7D, 7H, and 71 have C2 symmetry; arrays 700E and 700F in FIGS. 7E and 7F have C8 symmetry; and array 700G in FIG. 7G has C4 symmetry.

[0068] Additionally, the rotational symmetry of the pre-existing electrode positions 708 with respect to a rotation about the centroid 706 is either Cx' or there is no rotational symmetry, where x' is an integer. For example, FIG. 7A shows an array 700A with six rotationally symmetric pre-existing electrode positions 708 and therefore an x' value of 6. In the examples of FIGS. 7A and 7E, the x value is equal to a value of 2x'. In FIG. 7B, the x value is equal to 5x'. In FIG. 7C, the x value is equal to 3x'. In FIG. 7F, the x value is equal to 4x'.

[0069] A productive rotation of the array is given by a 360 / x degree rotation and integer multiples thereof, excluding a 360 / x' degree rotation and integer multiples thereof (which are non-productive rotations). While a "non-productive rotation" results in an equivalent array pattern in which the same area of ​​skin is covered by existing electrode locations 708, a "productive rotation" results in at least one existing electrode location 708 being replaced with a potential electrode location 710, thus providing the subject's skin with an opportunity to recover or receive an agent application. In some embodiments, at least one rotation about the center of gravity 706 results in all potential electrode locations 710 moving to coincide with the positions previously occupied by existing electrode locations 708, thereby providing a resting state (or topical agent application) to all areas of skin beneath all of the electrodes at the existing electrode locations (e.g., arrays 700A, 700E, 700H, 700I) in a single rotation.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7D, the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element 702D(1) of the array can have a different shape and the same distance from the center of gravity 706 as the potential electrode footprint of at least one potential electrode location 710. As shown in Figures 7D, 7E, 7G, 7H, and 7I, the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element (702D(1), 702E(1), 702G(1), 702H(1), 702I(1)) of the array has a different shape than the existing electrode footprint of at least one other electrode element 702D(2), 702E(2), 702G(2), 702H(2), 702I(2) of the array.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 7E and 7F, one or more relaxation regions 704 can define a first potential electrode location (710E(1), 710F(1)) located a first distance from the center of gravity 706 and a second potential electrode location (710E(2), 710F(2)) located a second distance from the center of gravity 706, where the first and second distances are different from one another. In such a case, first potential electrode location 710E(1) can be circumferentially offset from second potential electrode location 710E(2), as in FIG. 7E, or first potential electrode location 710F(1) can be radially aligned with second potential electrode location 710F(2), as in FIG. 7F. In FIG. 7E (and FIGS. 7F and 7G), the array 700E can include a first group of electrode elements 702E arranged in a first circular region 712E around the center of gravity 706E, and a second group of electrode elements 702E arranged in a second circular region 714E separated from the first group and concentric with the first circular region 712E.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7F, the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element 702F(1) of the array 700F can have a different size than the existing electrode footprint of at least one other electrode element 702F(2) of the array 700F. In such cases, the electrode element 702F(1) can have a similar shape to the differently sized electrode element 702F(2), as shown ( FIG. 7F ), or a different shape ( FIG. 7G ). As shown in FIGS. 7H and 7I , the entire array 700 (700H, 700I) of electrodes can have a non-circular shape. For example, the array 700 can have an elliptical, cocoon-shaped, oval, or oblong shape. This allows the array 700 to be used to induce desired TTFields while still providing rotational symmetry for translating the electrodes relative to the subject's skin. Both arrays 700H and 700I can be rotated 180 degrees about the center of gravity 706 (706H, 706I), resulting in all potential electrode positions 710 moving to coincide with the positions previously occupied by existing electrode positions 708, thereby providing a resting state (or topical agent application) to all areas of the skin beneath all of the electrodes at the existing electrode positions in a single rotation.

[0073] Figure 8 provides a further example of an array of electrodes and methods of use that may be suitable for use in the transducer devices described herein. While Figure 8 does not show the anisotropic material layer and other features of the present invention described herein, it is understood that the array of electrodes shown in Figure 8 can be combined with anisotropic material layers and related features as described herein.

[0074] FIG. 8 shows an example transducer device 800 that can be used to apply TTFields to a subject's body. The transducer device 800 allows for simple translation of the transducer relative to the subject's body to reposition at least one relaxation region 804 formed in the electrode array over an area of ​​the subject's skin previously covered by an electrode element 802 (an existing electrode location). Relaxation regions 804A and 804B can be either void regions within the transducer device 800 that are completely uncovered or completely uncovered except for the transducer substrate and / or anisotropic material layer (with or without a conductive adhesive layer and / or conductive layer), or non-adhesive regions that include a drug substrate capable of receiving, absorbing, or retaining a topical agent applied thereto, or drug regions of the transducer device that include a drug substrate and a topical agent integrated therein or thereon that is used to administer a topical agent to an area of ​​the subject's skin. In some embodiments, the drug substrate can be part of the transducer substrate. In some embodiments, the transducer device 800 can include an anisotropic material layer that covers some or all of the electrode elements 802 and that may or may not cover the relaxed regions 804. For example, there can be cut-out areas in the anisotropic material layer and / or the conductive adhesive layer and / or the conductive layer, as described above with respect to FIG. 5B , such that the anisotropic material layer does not cover the relaxed regions 804 or only partially covers the relaxed regions 804. Each relaxed region 804 can encompass an area footprint (potential electrode footprint) equal to at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 95% of the area footprint of at least one of the electrode elements 802 of the transducer 800 of FIG. 8 . When viewed perpendicular to the plane of the electrode array, the electrode elements 802 are positioned at existing electrode locations 808. Each of the electrode elements 802 can trace an existing electrode footprint. The existing electrode footprint is the area footprint of the existing electrode location 808.Relaxation regions 804A and 804B can each define a potential electrode location, which is a location that might otherwise be occupied by electrode elements 802 during several translations of the transducer device 800 (i.e., a potential electrode footprint). As shown, multiple existing electrode locations 808 can be arranged in a line 830. For example, three lines 830A, 830B, and 830C of existing electrode locations 808 are shown in the transducer 800 of FIG. 8. Both relaxation regions 804A and 804B can be superimposable over at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 95%, or even 100% of the area footprint of each of the existing electrode locations 808 arranged in a separate line (e.g., 830A, 830B, or 830C) due to translation of the array relative to the subject's body.

[0075] FIG. 9 shows an example method 900 of applying TTFields to a subject's body in accordance with the present technology. Method 900 begins in step S902 with placing a first transducer in a first initial position at a first location on the subject's body. The first transducer (e.g., as shown in the devices of FIGS. 4A-8 ) can include multiple electrodes at the initial electrode positions and at least one void space disposed between adjacent electrodes. The first transducer can optionally be affixed to the subject's body via an adhesive layer having one or more cutouts (described above) therein, the cutouts being disposed over the spaces between adjacent electrodes. The first transducer can include an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the multiple electrodes and disposed between the multiple electrodes and the subject's body, the anisotropic material layer optionally having one or more cutouts therein, the cutouts being disposed over the spaces between adjacent electrodes.

[0076] In step S904, method 900 may include placing a second transducer in a second initial position at a second location on the subject's body. The second transducer may include multiple electrodes at initial electrode positions and at least one void space disposed between adjacent electrodes (e.g., as shown in the devices of FIGS. 4A-8). The second transducer may optionally be attached to the subject's body via an adhesive layer having one or more cutouts therein, the cutouts being disposed over the spaces between adjacent electrodes. The second transducer may include an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the multiple electrodes and disposed between the multiple electrodes and the subject's body, the anisotropic material layer optionally having one or more cutouts therein, the cutouts being disposed over the spaces between adjacent electrodes.

[0077] In step S906, method 900 may include inducing an electric field between a first transducer disposed at a first location on the subject's body and a second transducer disposed at a second location on the subject's body. In step S907, while inducing the electric field, method 900 may include diffusing heat and / or current from the plurality of electrodes through the anisotropic material layer in a plane perpendicular to a direction from the plurality of electrodes to the subject's body. In step S908, method 900 may include determining whether a first period of time has elapsed. If it is determined that the first period of time has elapsed, method 900 proceeds to step S910. Otherwise, method 900 returns to step S906. After inducing the electric field for more than the first period of time, method 900 proceeds to step S910, which may include terminating the electric field.

[0078] In step S912, the method 900 may include moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position at a first location on the subject's body, where at least one of the initial electrode positions is occupied by the space that existed between the two electrodes at the first initial position. In some embodiments, at the first rotational or translational position, a void space of the plurality of void spaces of the first transducer may be located in an area that was previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode for each of the electrodes at the first initial position.

[0079] As an example, moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position in step S912 can include rotating the first transducer about its center of mass (S916). In particular, moving the first transducer can include rotating the first transducer about its center of mass to a first rotational position at a first location on the subject's body, where at least one of the initial electrode positions is occupied by the space that existed between two electrodes in the first initial position. In some embodiments, at the first rotational position, the entire area previously covered by the electrodes in the first initial position can be occupied by the space, or vice versa. As another example, moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position in step S912 can include translating the first transducer to a first translational position relative to the surface of the subject's body (S918).

[0080] In step S914, method 900 may include moving the second transducer from a second initial position at a second location on the subject's body to a second rotational or translational position on the subject's body (in a manner similar to that described above for the first transducer in step S912), such that in the second rotational or translational position at least one of the initial electrode positions is occupied by the space that existed between the two electrodes in the second initial position. In some embodiments, in the second rotational or translational position, a void space of the plurality of void spaces of the second transducer may be located in an area previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode for each of the electrodes in the second initial position. As an example, moving the second transducer to the second rotational or translational position in step S914 may include rotating the second transducer about its center of gravity (S916) (as described above for moving the first transducer). As another example, moving the second transducer to a second rotational or translational position in step S914 may include translating (S918) the second transducer to a second translational position relative to the surface of the subject's body (as described above for moving the first transducer).

[0081] In some embodiments, steps S912 and S914 may be performed sequentially. In some embodiments, steps S912 and S914 may be performed simultaneously or with partial concurrence.

[0082] In step S920, the method 900 may include inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer. After step S920, the process returns to step S908.

[0083] FIG. 10 shows an example method 1000 of applying TTFields to a subject's body in accordance with the present technology. Method 1000 begins in step S1002 with placing a first transducer in a first initial position at a first location on the subject's body. The first transducer can include a plurality of electrodes and a drug region disposed between two adjacent electrodes, the drug region including a drug substrate capable of holding a local drug therein or thereon, with no exposed adhesive on the drug region. In some embodiments, the first transducer can include a plurality of drug regions disposed between adjacent electrodes (e.g., as shown in the devices of FIGS. 4A-8).

[0084] In step S1004, method 1000 can include placing a second transducer in a second initial position at a second location on the subject's body. The second transducer can include multiple electrodes at the initial electrode positions and a drug region disposed between two adjacent electrodes, as described above. In some embodiments, the second transducer can include multiple drug regions disposed between adjacent electrodes (e.g., as shown in the devices of FIGS. 4A-8).

[0085] In step S1006, method 1000 may include inducing an electric field between a first transducer disposed in a first initial position at a first location on the subject's body and a second transducer in a second initial position at a second location on the subject's body. In step S1008, method 1000 may include determining whether a first time period has elapsed. If it is determined that the first time period has elapsed, method 1000 proceeds to step S1010. Otherwise, method 1000 returns to step S1006. After inducing the electric field for more than the first time period, method 1000 proceeds to step S1010, which may include terminating the electric field.

[0086] In step S1012, method 1000 can include moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position on the subject's body at the first location, where at least one drug region carrying a local agent thereon is in contact with a region of the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode. In some embodiments, at the first rotational or translational position, multiple drug regions of the first transducer can be disposed in a region previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode for each of the electrodes in the first initial position. As an example, the drug region includes a drug substrate and a local agent that can be integrated in or on the drug substrate before steps S1002 and S1012. As another example, method 1000 can include, as optional step S1014, applying a local agent to the drug substrate before moving the first transducer to the first rotational or translational position at the first location on the subject's body.

[0087] As an example, moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position in step S1012 can include rotating the first transducer about its center of mass (S1016). In particular, moving the first transducer can include rotating the first transducer about its center of mass to a first rotational position at a first location on the subject's body, where at least one drug region is disposed over an area previously occupied by at least a portion of the electrode in the first initial position. In some embodiments, at the first rotational position, the entire area previously covered by the electrode in the first initial position can be occupied by the drug region, or vice versa. As another example, moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position in step S1012 can include translating the first transducer to a first translational position relative to the surface of the subject's body (S1018).

[0088] Method 1000 may also include, in step S1020, moving the second transducer from a second initial position at a second location on the subject's body to a second rotational or translational position on the subject's body (in a manner similar to that described above for the first transducer in step S1012), wherein at the second rotational or translational position, at least one drug region carrying a local agent thereon or therein is in contact with an area of ​​the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode in the second initial position. In some embodiments, at the second rotational or translational position, multiple drug regions of the second transducer may each be positioned in an area previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode for each of the electrodes in the second initial position. In some embodiments, for example, the drug region includes a drug substrate and a local agent, which may be integrated in or on the drug substrate prior to steps S1002 and S1020. As another example, method 1000 may include, as optional step S1014, applying a topical agent to the agent substrate before moving the second transducer to a second rotational or translational position at a second location on the subject's body. As an example, moving the second transducer to a second rotational or translational position in step S1020 may include rotating the second transducer about its center of gravity (S1016) (as described above for moving the first transducer). As another example, moving the second transducer to a second rotational or translational position in step S1020 may include translating the second transducer to a second translational position (S1018) relative to the surface of the subject's body (as described above for moving the first transducer).

[0089] In some embodiments, steps S1012 and S1020 may be performed sequentially. In some embodiments, steps S1012 and S1020 may be performed simultaneously or with partial concurrence.

[0090] In step S1022, the method 1000 may include inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer. After step S1022, the process returns to step S1008.

[0091] The present invention includes other exemplary embodiments ("embodiments") as follows.

[0092]

[0023] Embodiment 1: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, the transducer device comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on a body of a subject with a front surface of the array facing the body of the subject, the array including electrode elements positioned at existing electrode locations positioned about a center of gravity of the array; an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the array of electrodes and positioned in front of the front surface of the array; and at least one void space within the array of electrodes capable of enclosing an areal footprint equal to at least a portion of an areal footprint of at least one existing electrode location and superimposable over at least a portion of the at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

[0024] Embodiment 1A: The transducer device of Embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer is electrically coupled to the array of electrodes and positioned on a front surface of the array of electrodes.

[0093] Embodiment 2: A transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a front surface and a back surface, the back surface of the anisotropic material layer facing the array of electrodes, and the anisotropic material layer has a different thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front surface than in a direction parallel to the front surface.

[0094] Embodiment 3: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer comprises graphite.

[0095] Embodiment 4: The transducer device of embodiment 1, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material disposed on a front side of the anisotropic material layer.Embodiment 4A: The transducer device of embodiment 1, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material disposed on a front side of the anisotropic material layer.

[0096] Embodiment 5: The transducer device of embodiment 1, further comprising a first layer of conductive material disposed between the array of electrodes and a back surface of the anisotropic material layer.

[0097] Embodiment 6: A transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer has at least one notch or slit formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the notch or slit extends from the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer toward the center of the anisotropic material layer.

[0098] Embodiment 7: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer is disposed on the array of electrodes such that the anisotropic material layer covers the electrodes and at least one void space within the array.

[0099] Embodiment 8: A transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer substantially covers the array of electrodes, and the anisotropic material layer has one or more notches formed therein, the one or more notches being positioned over at least one void space in the array.

[0100] Embodiment 9: The transducer device of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more cutouts have a closed shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, such that the one or more cutouts are surrounded by the anisotropic material layer.

[0101] Embodiment 10: A transducer device of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more cutouts have an open shape such that, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the one or more cutouts define one or more recesses along the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer.

[0102] Embodiment 10A: The transducer device of embodiment 10, further comprising a substrate for holding the array of electrodes against the subject's body, the outer periphery of the substrate extending beyond the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer and contoured to match the shape of the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer with one or more recesses along the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer.

[0103] Embodiment 10B: A transducer device of embodiment 10A, wherein the substrate has at least one notch or slit formed through the entire thickness of the substrate, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the notch or slit extends from the outer edge of the substrate toward the center of the substrate.

[0104] Embodiment 11: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein at least one void space in the array can encompass an area footprint equal to at least 40% of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and is superimposable onto at least 40% of the at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

[0105] Embodiment 12: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein at least one void space in the array can encompass an area footprint equal to at least 90% or at least 95% of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and is superimposable onto at least 90% or at least 95% of the at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

[0106] Embodiment 13: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the sum of the area footprints for all void spaces in the array is about 50% of the sum of the area footprints for all void spaces and all existing electrode locations in the array.

[0107] Embodiment 14: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the sum of the area footprints for all void spaces in the array is equal to at least 20% of the sum of the area footprints for all void spaces and all existing electrode locations in the array.

[0108] Embodiment 15: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer comprises a graphite foil made from pyrolytic graphite, graphitized polymer, or compressed high-purity exfoliated mineral graphite.

[0109] Embodiment 16: A transducer device of embodiment 11 or embodiment 12, wherein the anisotropic material layer has at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the cut or slit extends from the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer toward the center of the anisotropic material layer.

[0110] Embodiment 17: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to the body of a subject, comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on the body of the subject with a front surface of the array facing the body of the subject; an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the array of electrodes and positioned in front of the front surface of the array; and a void space disposed between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes of the array, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the void space can encompass an area footprint equal to at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 90%, or at least 95% of the area footprint of at least one of the electrodes of the array of electrodes.

[0111] Embodiment 18: A transducer device of embodiment 17, wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the array is positioned at existing electrode locations arranged around the center of gravity of the array and includes electrode elements each tracing an existing electrode footprint, and void spaces encompass area footprints defining potential electrode locations, the potential electrode locations are positioned around the center of gravity of the array and tracing the potential electrode footprints, the potential electrode footprints have the same shape, area, and distance from the center of gravity as one or more existing electrode footprints and are rotationally aligned with the one or more existing electrode footprints around the center of gravity, such that rotational translation of the array around the center of gravity allows the potential electrode locations to be positioned to coincide over the existing electrode locations.

[0112] Embodiment 19: The transducer device of embodiment 18, wherein the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element of the array has a different shape or a different size than the existing electrode footprint of at least one other electrode element of the array.

[0113] Embodiment 20: The transducer device of embodiment 18, wherein at least one rotation about the center of gravity results in all potential electrode positions moving to coincide with positions previously occupied by existing electrode positions.

[0114] Embodiment 21: The transducer device of embodiment 18, wherein the array of electrodes has a non-circular shape.

[0115] Embodiment 22: The transducer device of embodiment 18, wherein each electrode element extends radially outward away from the center of gravity.

[0116] Embodiment 23: A transducer device of embodiment 17, wherein when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the array includes electrodes arranged at existing electrode positions arranged around the center of gravity of the array, and the void spaces are superimposable on at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 90%, or at least 95% of at least one existing electrode position by rotation of the array around the center of gravity.

[0117] Embodiment 24: A transducer device of embodiment 17, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a front surface and a back surface, the back surface of the anisotropic material layer facing the array of electrodes, and the anisotropic material layer has a thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front surface that is different from a direction parallel to the front surface.

[0118] Embodiment 25: The transducer device of embodiment 17, further comprising at least one of a conductive adhesive material disposed on the front side of the anisotropic material layer opposite the array of electrodes, or a conductive material disposed between the array of electrodes and the back side of the anisotropic material layer facing the array.

[0119] Embodiment 26: The transducer device of embodiment 17, further comprising at least one of a conductive adhesive material disposed on the front surface of the anisotropic material layer opposite the array of electrodes, or a conductive material disposed between the array of electrodes and the back surface of the anisotropic material layer facing the array.

[0120] Embodiment 27: The transducer device of embodiment 17, wherein the anisotropic material layer is disposed on the array of electrodes such that the anisotropic material layer covers the electrodes and the void space.

[0121] Embodiment 28: The transducer device of embodiment 17, wherein the anisotropic material layer substantially covers the array of electrodes, and the anisotropic material layer has cutouts formed therein, the cutouts being positioned over the void spaces.

[0122] Embodiment 29: A transducer device of embodiment 17, wherein when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the array includes electrodes arranged at existing electrode positions, the plurality of existing electrode positions are arranged in a line, and the void space is superimposable over at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 95% of the area footprint of each of the existing linearly arranged electrode positions by translation of the array relative to the subject's body.

[0123] Embodiment 30: A method of applying a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising the steps of: disposing a first transducer at a first position on a first location on the body of the subject, the first transducer including a plurality of electrodes, an air gap space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes in the plurality of electrodes, and an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and disposed between the plurality of electrodes and the body of the subject; and inducing an electric field between the first transducer and a second transducer disposed at a second location on the body of the subject, wherein the electric field wherein the anisotropic material layer spreads heat and / or current from the plurality of electrodes in a plane perpendicular to a direction from the plurality of electrodes to the subject's body; after inducing the electric field for more than a first period of time, terminating the electric field; moving the first transducer to a second position on the subject's body, where a gap space is positioned over a region of the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode; and inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0124] Embodiment 31: The method of embodiment 30, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a different thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the anisotropic material layer than in a direction parallel to that surface of the anisotropic material layer.

[0125] Embodiment 32: The method of embodiment 30, wherein the step of moving the first transducer to the second position includes rotating the first transducer about the center of gravity of the first transducer.Embodiment 32A: The method of embodiment 30, wherein, when viewed perpendicular to one face of the first transducer array, the plurality of electrodes are positioned at existing electrode positions arranged about the center of gravity of the transducer, and the void space is superimposable on at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 90%, or at least 95% of at least one existing electrode position by rotation about the center of gravity of the first transducer.

[0126] Embodiment 33: The method of embodiment 30, wherein the first transducer includes a plurality of void spaces, each void space of the plurality of void spaces being positioned between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of electrodes, and at the second position, each void space of the plurality of void spaces of the first transducer being positioned in an area previously covered by at least a portion of an electrode.

[0127] Embodiment 34: The method of embodiment 30, wherein in the second position, the anisotropic material layer covers the void space such that the anisotropic material covers the area of ​​the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode.

[0128] Embodiment 35: The method of embodiment 30, wherein in the second position, the anisotropic material layer has a cutout formed therein that is positioned over the void space so that the anisotropic material layer does not cover at least a portion of the area of ​​the subject's body that was previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode.

[0129] Embodiment 36: The method of embodiment 30, wherein the step of moving the first transducer to the second position includes the step of translating the first transducer relative to the surface of the subject's body.

[0130] Embodiment 37: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on a body of a subject with one side of the array facing the body of the subject, the array including electrode elements positioned at existing electrode locations positioned about a center of gravity of the array, each tracing an existing electrode footprint; and an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the array of electrodes and positioned on a side of the face of the array, the array also including one or more void spaces defining potential electrode locations, the potential electrode locations positioned about the center of gravity of the array, each potential electrode location tracing a potential electrode footprint, each potential electrode footprint rotationally coinciding with the one or more existing electrode footprints about the center of gravity, wherein rotational translation of the electrode array about the center of gravity can position at least one potential electrode location to coincide with an existing electrode location, thereby providing a resting state for an area of ​​skin under the at least one electrode after rotation.

[0131] Embodiment 38: A transducer device of embodiment 37, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a front surface and a back surface, the back surface of the anisotropic material layer facing the array of electrodes, and the anisotropic material layer has a thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front surface that is different from that in a direction parallel to the front surface.

[0132] Embodiment 39: The transducer device of embodiment 37, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material disposed on the front side of the anisotropic material layer opposite the array of electrodes, or at least one layer of conductive material disposed between the array of electrodes and the back side of the anisotropic material layer facing the array.

[0133] Embodiment 40: The transducer device of embodiment 37, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material disposed on the front surface of the anisotropic material layer opposite the array of electrodes, or at least one layer of conductive material disposed between the array of electrodes and the back surface of the anisotropic material layer facing the array.

[0134] Embodiment 41: The transducer device of embodiment 37, wherein the anisotropic material layer is disposed on the array of electrodes such that the anisotropic material layer covers the electrodes and one or more void spaces.

[0135] Embodiment 42: A transducer device of embodiment 37, wherein the anisotropic material layer substantially covers the array of electrodes, and the anisotropic material layer has one or more notches formed therein, the one or more notches being positioned over one or more void spaces.

[0136] Embodiment 43: The transducer device of embodiment 37, wherein each potential electrode footprint has the same shape, area, and distance from the center of gravity as one or more existing electrode footprints.

[0137] Embodiment 44: A method of applying a tumor treating field to a body of a subject, comprising the steps of: placing a first transducer at a first initial position at a first location on the body of the subject, the first transducer including a plurality of electrodes at initial electrode positions arranged circumferentially about a center of gravity of the first transducer, with a space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes; inducing an electric field between the first transducer and a second transducer disposed at a second location on the body of the subject; and transmitting an electric field from the plurality of electrodes to the body of the subject through an anisotropic material layer disposed between the plurality of electrodes and the body of the subject. diffusing heat and / or current output from the plurality of electrodes in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction toward the subject; inducing the electric field for more than a first time period and then terminating the electric field; rotating a first transducer about a center of gravity at a first location on the subject's body to a first rotational position, wherein at least one of the initial electrode positions in the first rotational position becomes occupied by a space that originally existed between the two electrodes in the first initial position; and inducing another electric field between the first transducer and a second transducer.

[0138] Embodiment 45: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to the body of a subject, comprising: a substrate layer; an array of electrodes disposed on the substrate layer, the array configured to be placed on the body of the subject with one side of the array facing the body of the subject; and an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the array of electrodes and disposed on a side of the array opposite the substrate layer, the anisotropic material layer substantially covering the array of electrodes, the anisotropic material layer having one or more cutouts formed therein, the one or more cutouts being located over spaces between adjacent electrodes of the array.

[0139] Embodiment 46: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to the body of a subject, comprising: a substrate layer; an array of electrodes disposed on the substrate layer, the array configured to be placed on the body of the subject with one side of the array facing the body of the subject; and an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the array of electrodes and disposed on a side of the array opposite the substrate layer, the anisotropic material layer having at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer, the cut or slit extending from the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer toward the center of the anisotropic material layer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array.

[0140] Embodiment 47: A transducer device of embodiment 46, wherein the substrate layer has at least one notch or slit formed through the entire thickness of the substrate layer, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the notch or slit extends from the outer edge of the substrate layer toward the center of the substrate layer.

[0141] Embodiment 48: A transducer device of embodiment 47, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the cuts or slits formed in the substrate layer at least partially coincide with the cuts or slits formed in the anisotropic material layer.

[0142] Embodiment 49: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on a subject's body with a front surface of the array facing the subject's body, the array including electrode elements positioned at existing electrode positions arranged around a center of gravity of the array; and an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the array of electrodes and positioned in front of the front surface of the array, wherein the array includes x' electrodes at existing electrode positions that are rotationally symmetric about the center of gravity of the array, and these x' electrodes exhibit Cx' point symmetry, and wherein at least one rotation of the array through (360 / 2x') degrees positions each of the x' electrodes at a new position, such that any portion of any of the x' electrodes at their new positions covers less than 40% of a given existing electrode position.

[0143] Embodiment 50: A transducer device of embodiment 49, wherein at least one rotation of the array by (360 / 2x') degrees places each of the electrodes at x' in a new position such that any portion of any of the electrodes at x' in their new positions covers less than 25% of a given existing electrode position.

[0144] Embodiment 51: A transducer device of embodiment 49, wherein at least one rotation of the array by (360 / 2x') degrees places each of the electrodes at x' in a new position, and no portion of any of the electrodes at x' in the new position overlaps any portion of a given existing electrode position.

[0145] Embodiment 52: A transducer device of embodiment 49, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a front surface and a back surface, the back surface of the anisotropic material layer facing the array of electrodes, and the anisotropic material layer has a thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front surface that is different from that in a direction parallel to the front surface.

[0146] Embodiment 53: The transducer device of embodiment 49, wherein the anisotropic material layer comprises graphite.

[0147] Embodiment 54: The transducer device of embodiment 49, wherein the anisotropic material layer comprises a graphite foil made from pyrolytic graphite, graphitized polymer, or compressed high-purity exfoliated mineral graphite.

[0148] Embodiment 55: The transducer device of embodiment 49, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material disposed on the front side of the anisotropic material layer.Embodiment 55A: The transducer device of embodiment 49, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material disposed on the front side of the anisotropic material layer.

[0149] Embodiment 56: The transducer device of embodiment 49, further comprising a first layer of conductive material disposed between the array of electrodes and the back surface of the anisotropic material layer.

[0150] Embodiment 57: A transducer device of embodiment 49, wherein the anisotropic material layer has at least one notch or slit formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the notch or slit extends from the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer toward the center of the anisotropic material layer.

[0151] Embodiment 58: The transducer device of embodiment 49, wherein the anisotropic material layer substantially covers the array of electrodes, and the anisotropic material layer has one or more notches formed therein.

[0152] Embodiment 59: A transducer device of embodiment 58, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the one or more notches have a closed shape such that the one or more notches are surrounded by the anisotropic material layer.

[0153] Embodiment 60: A transducer device of embodiment 58, wherein the one or more notches have an open shape so that, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the one or more notches define one or more recesses along the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer.

[0154] Embodiment 61: The transducer device of embodiment 60, further comprising a substrate for holding the array of electrodes against the subject's body, the outer periphery of the substrate extending beyond the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer and contoured to match the shape of the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer with one or more recesses along the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer.

[0155] Embodiment 62: A transducer device of embodiment 61, wherein the substrate has at least one notch or slit formed through the entire thickness of the substrate, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the notch or slit extends from the outer edge of the substrate toward the center of the substrate.

[0156] Embodiments presented under any heading or in any portion of this disclosure may be combined with embodiments presented under the same or any other heading or in any other portion of this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. For example, and not as a limitation, embodiments presented in dependent claim form with respect to a given embodiment (e.g., a given embodiment presented in independent claim form) may be combined with other embodiments (presented in independent or dependent claim form).

[0157] Many modifications, variations, and alterations to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the described embodiments, but rather to have the full scope defined by the language of the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 100 transducers 200 First Transducer 202 Second Transducer 204 Electrode Elements 206 Outer perimeter 300A transducer 302A Electrode Element 304A board 300B Transducer 302B Electrode Element 306B Conductive Wire 300C Transducer 302C electrode element 304C Transducer Board 308C Pharmaceuticals 310C adhesive layer 300D Transducer 302D Electrode Element 308D Pharmaceuticals 310D adhesive layer 300E Transducer 302E Electrode Element 304E board 306E Conductive Wire 310E Anisotropic material layer 312E Front 314E back 316E Conductive adhesive material 318E Conductive Material 400 Transducer Device 402 Electrode 404 Blank Space 405 PCB layers / connector 408 First Edge 410 Second Edge 412 Rounded Edge 414 First Distance 416 First Point 418 Second Point 420 distance 422 Second Distance 424 Third Point 426 First Angle 428 Second Angle 430 Bisector 432 distance 434 distance 436 the location previously occupied by electrode 402 438 Rotation Amount 440 Center of gravity 450 board layers 452 Anisotropic Material Layer 500 Transducer Device 502 Electrode 504 Space 550 Adhesive layer 552 Adhesive layer notch 570 Substrate Layer 572 Anisotropic Material Layer 574 Anisotropic Material Layer Notch 600 Transducer Device 602 Electrode 604 Space 640 Center of gravity 650 Adhesive layer 652 Notch 660 Edge 662 First Outer Edge 664 Second Outer Edge 670 Substrate Layer 672 Anisotropic Material Layer 674 Anisotropic Material Layer Notch 676 Slit 678 Slit 700 Array 702 electrode elements 704 Relaxation area 706 Center of gravity 708 Existing electrode position 710 Potential Electrode Location 712E First circular area 714E Second circular area 800 Transducer Device 802 electrode elements 804 Relaxation area 808 Existing electrode position 830 Line

Claims

1. 1. A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on the subject's body with a front surface of the array facing the subject's body, the array including electrode elements positioned at existing electrode locations arranged around a center of gravity of the array; a layer of anisotropic material electrically coupled to the array of electrodes and disposed in front of the front surface of the array; at least one void space within the array of electrodes capable of encompassing an areal footprint equal to at least a portion of an areal footprint of at least one existing electrode location and superimposable onto at least a portion of at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity; A transducer device comprising:

2. 2. The transducer device of claim 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a front surface and a back surface, the back surface of the anisotropic material layer facing the array of electrodes, and the anisotropic material layer has a different thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front surface than in a direction parallel to the front surface.

3. The transducer device of claim 1 , wherein the anisotropic material layer comprises graphite.

4. The transducer device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material disposed on a front side of the anisotropic material layer.

5. The transducer device of claim 1 , further comprising a first layer of conductive material disposed between the array of electrodes and a back surface of the anisotropic material layer.

6. 2. The transducer device of claim 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer has at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer, the cut or slit extending from the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer toward the center of the anisotropic material layer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array.

7. The transducer device of claim 1 , wherein the anisotropic material layer is disposed on the array of electrodes such that the anisotropic material layer covers the electrodes and the at least one void space in the array.

8. the anisotropic material layer substantially covering the array of electrodes; one or more notches formed in the anisotropic material layer, the one or more notches being positioned over the at least one void space in the array; The transducer device of claim 1.

9. 9. The transducer device of claim 8, wherein the one or more cutouts have a closed shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, such that the one or more cutouts are surrounded by the anisotropic material layer.

10. 9. The transducer device of claim 8, wherein the one or more cutouts have an open shape such that, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the one or more cutouts define one or more recesses along an outer edge of the anisotropic material layer.

11. 2. The transducer device of claim 1, wherein the at least one void space in the array is capable of encompassing an area footprint equal to at least 40% of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and is superimposable onto at least 40% of at least one existing electrode location by rotation of the array about the center of gravity.

12. 1. A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a body of a subject, comprising: an array of electrodes configured to be placed on the subject's body with a front surface of the array facing the subject's body; and a layer of anisotropic material electrically coupled to the array of electrodes and disposed in front of the front surface of the array; a gap space disposed between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes of the array; Including, When viewed perpendicular to the plane of the array, the void space may encompass an area footprint equal to at least 40% of the area footprint of at least one of the electrodes of the array of electrodes. Transducer device.

13. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, the array includes electrode elements positioned at existing electrode locations arranged around a center of gravity of the array, each of the electrode elements tracing an existing electrode footprint; the void space encompasses an area footprint defining potential electrode locations, the potential electrode locations being arranged around the centroid of the array and tracing the potential electrode footprint; 13. The transducer device of claim 12, wherein the potential electrode footprints have the same shape, area, and distance from the center of gravity as one or more existing electrode footprints and are rotationally aligned with the one or more existing electrode footprints about the center of gravity such that rotational translation of the array about the center of gravity allows the potential electrode locations to be positioned to coincide with existing electrode locations.

14. 1. A method of applying a tumor treating field to a body of a subject, comprising: placing a first transducer at a first position at a first location on the subject's body, the first transducer comprising: A plurality of electrodes; a gap space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes in the plurality of electrodes; an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and positioned between the plurality of electrodes and the subject's body; and inducing an electric field between the first transducer and a second transducer disposed at a second location on the subject's body, wherein during inducing the electric field, the anisotropic material layer spreads heat and / or current from the plurality of electrodes in a plane perpendicular to a direction from the plurality of electrodes to the subject's body; after inducing the electric field for a first period of time; Terminating the electric field; moving the first transducer from the first location on the subject's body to a second position, wherein at the second position the void space is positioned over an area of ​​the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of an electrode; inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer; A method comprising:

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first transducer includes a plurality of void spaces including the void space, each void space of the plurality of void spaces being disposed between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of electrodes, and wherein, at the second position, each void space of the plurality of void spaces of the first transducer is disposed in an area previously covered by at least a portion of an electrode.

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